Temperature tolerance

[plumania]

Thanks James. That is very interesting information. I did not know mature pseudobulbs mean 'less water needed', in absence of new growth/flowers. In that case, even when I did not really water much, they probably did not even need that. Once a week did not seem too much to me.
I have long way to go before I learn the right balance. Quite frustrating but I guess everyone went through that.
Well, hopefully there will be no overwatering issues in the baskets and they will eventually grow.
Since it is still warm enough here, I will keep them all outside and mist/water to encourage roots.

Thanks a lot.

[james mickelso]

You are very lucky to have that nice warmth when most of us wish we could just keep everything from freezing or being washed away. Remember that not only is temperature involved at this time of year but light levels. Daylength too. A refrain I keep hearing in the threads is "once a week" or twice a week" or every "three days". Learn to judge the moisture content "in" the media. That is what is important. the method I use is to water well, lift the pot and "feel" how heavy the pot is. Then let it dry for at least a week which would be pretty dry. Then I lift the pot and "feel" it's weight. That tells me when it is dry enough to water. From that starting point you should be able to judge when you should water for optimum effect. Some folks use the skewer method. If that works by all means use it. A hygrometer works as well. It's best to use your senses instead of a clock or calendar. I like the fact you potted these in a basket. It's the reason I pot in a very coarse mix. Med to lrg bark, lava rock, and sponge rock. Water runs right through it yet wets the roots while allowing the roots to dry thoroughly before evening. I can water two to three times a week in summer. Depending on humidity of course. And I would use that seaweed stuff Tucker talked about. I liked the blue stuff Ray sold me. I could see a difference. I'll get some more in spring time. Good luck.

[plumania]

Thanks James. Yes I am learning by lifting the pot , checking to see if media is dry or wet.....it is mostly dry but that is inevitable as mix is quite coarse just like you described above.
Sprayed seaweed stuff today,supposed to rain today....again.
What is the 'blue stuff ' you say you got from Ray?

[james mickelso]

I can't remember what it was called and I threw away the empty bottle. It's from First Rays. Ray can tell you waht it was. Sorry.

[silken]

It might be Solo which is a mix of MSU and kelp (seaweed). I got some and mine is blue.

[plumania]

I would like to thank everybody for their help and patience with my Orchid questions. I feel so much better now because of all of you.
Silken, I was thinking the same. Will check it out. Thanks a lot.
God bless.